Secrets of the Past
Chapter Eight: Adversaries Unite
Miranda braced herself for the end. She closed her eyes thinking about how she let down everyone she cared about, Dumbledore, Remus, Lily, James, Sirius, Harry…how she would never get to tell any of them how sorry she was for what she did all those years ago. She could see the bright green light through her closed eyes and could hear the rush of death come towards her. But then…nothing. She never felt the curse come and fully hit her.
'Okay…why am I not dead?" thought Miranda. She saw another flash of green light and hear the rushing sound again, and then nothing. She dared to open one of her eyes and found that Macnair was still in front of her with his wand pointing straight at her. He had the same confused look on his face that Miranda had. He fired another curse at her and this time Miranda saw what stopped it from hitting her. Every time Macnair cast a curse at her, the spell would instantly dissolve in midair halfway to where Miranda was laying. Suddenly, as if on cue, the fog started to rise up and both of them saw that Miranda was now on the other side of gate with two large winged boars standing guard over them on two stone pillars.
"What the…"said a very surprised and confused Macnair. Miranda noticed that his eyes started to become very round and fearful to something behind her. She slowly turned around and found the great, vast castle of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry basking in the moonlight. She heard Macnair's cries of anger and frustration, and spun around just in time to see him lunge at her. But before Miranda could do anything to stop him or brace for the impact of his attack, Macnair hit the magical barrier and was tossed back a couple of feet. Not wanting to know what he was going to do next, Miranda took the opportunity to get as far away from Macnair as fast as she could. She stumbled getting to her feet, grabbed her wand, and started to fun full throttle up the grounds towards the castle.
Wondering whether or not Macnair had broke through the barrier or not, she quickly looked behind her shoulder. Through the darkness and haze, she could still hear Macnair's voice cursing in frustration. Suddenly Miranda hit something that felt like a small house causing her to fall to the ground. Two large hands grabbed a hold of her and started to pick her up.
"Let me go you…you," yelled a frustrated Miranda as she tried to get away.
"Calm down! Calm down, now. Just where do yeh think yer going ter, eh?" said a calm happy voice as he tried to keep a hold of a squirming Miranda.
The second she heard the giant man speak, she stopped squirming. 'I know that voice.' she thought.
"Hagrid?" said Miranda in a questionable tone. She looked over her left shoulder and could now see the shaggy mane and bearded face of Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts.
" Well, o' course. Who else did yeh think it would be? Huh? Yeh don' know any other 'airy giants her now do yeh?" chuckled Hagrid as he let go of Miranda.
Miranda was a little taken back by the presence of the gentle giant of a man before her. She hadn't seen him in years, but he looked like he hadn't changed a bit, except that his hair was a little bit messier than she remembered.
"Oh, Hagrid. It's so good to see you! Ah, sorry about my little 'resistance'." said Miranda awkwardly.
"Ah, that's alright'. I'm just glad that I caught yeh. Everyone's been worried about…EGAD! What in the name of Merlin happen ter yeh?!"
Hagrid saw blood trickling down the side of her face caused by a gash on the side of her head from when she fell. He could see and almost feel the pain that was in her eyes. She had been tortured, beaten, and scared both physically and mentally.
"I'm all right," lied Miranda as she tried to hid the effects of a number of curses and hexes that head been cased on her all in one night.
"Codswallop! Yer a wreck! Oh, wait until I get me hands on them ruddy beats! I'll…" said Hagrid with his giant fists shaking with rage.
"Hagrid NO! There are too many of them." distressed Miranda.
"Let's just get yeh up ter the school. Dumbledore be want' in a word with yeh," said Hagrid solemnly. He warped one of his massive arms around her back to shield her help her along as they made their way to the school. Miranda was practically dead on her feet and in tremendous pain as she neared the castle. But years of training as an Aurora under Moody, and learning how to live with pain of all types helped her to continue on.
When the tow of them reached the Entrance Hall a very anguished Professor McGonagall, who had been pacing back and forth absentmindedly, greeted them.
"Well it's about time. Thank heavens you found her Hagrid. Oh, Ms. Starmenter what were you thinking?! Taking on all those Death Eaters twice in one night? My God! I would have thought that you would have more common sense than that!"
"Hello to you too, Professor McGonagall." said Miranda in a low contemptuous voice.
"Er calm down dere Professor. It wasn't her fault. They came out of nowhere," said Hagrid trying to help out with the situation.
"Yes, but still…"
"I know, I know, Professor. I'm well aware of what I have done and the consequences of those actions," said Miranda in a prominent tone. ('Believe me after spending all those years with the Maunders I definitely know about consequences,' thought Miranda.) "But right now I need to speak to Professor Dumbledore. Can you please tell me where he is?" pleaded Miranda.
"No need Minerva, I'm right here." said Dumbledore as he came down the grand staircase.
"Professor." said all three of them.
"Ah, Ms. Starmenter you have arrived, and in one piece I see. I guess that new security charm really does work," said Dumbledore.
'So…that's why the curse never hit me,' thought Miranda. "I guess I should owe you another thank you." ('For what now…the hundred and thirty-first time.')
"Don't even worry about that now my dear. I'm just relieved that Professor Flickworth, myself, and our potions master established the charm just in the nick of time." chuckled Dumbledore happily. The bright sparkle that could always be found behind his half-moon spectacles in his bright blue eyes shinnied brightly in the near darkness of the Entrance Hall. "Although I'd wish that you would have stayed at your place just a little bit longer. We could have then provided a safer way of transportation. But no matter," smiled Dumbledore as he descended the stairs to join the others in the middle of the hall.
"I'm sorry Professor. I tried to get here as quickly and as quietly as I could. I explained it all in the letter I sent you." said Miranda quietly as she glanced down toward the floor.
"Yes, yes, I did receive your owl along with one form Arthur Weasley; both explaining what had happened this evening. I must say though, you put on one spectacular rescue."
"Arthur? You've heard from him? Did they get to the Burrow? What about…" Miranda quickly said as a rush of panic and concern poured out of her.
"Relax, Andy, relax," said Dumbledore in a soothing tone as she raised his hand to silence her. "Everyone is perfectly fine now and safe thanks to you. Kingsley suffered a broken arm but is doing well as to be expected. Sirius endured a slight concussion caused by a nasty stunning curse caste on him, but is fine now."
"And Harry?" said Miranda with a sense of fear behind her words.
"Harry is fine as to be expected," chimed Dumbledore. Miranda let out a sigh of relief and quietly said 'Thank God' to herself. "However…he his scar did start to hurt as they were escaping. But afterwards it subsided."
"He was there, Professor. I felt that he was close to where we were." said Miranda in a slightly apprehensive tone.
"That I did expect. I guess that it's safe to assume that Voldemort knows you have returned."
Miranda glanced down at the floor and bit her bottom lip as she nodded to his statement. She could feel Professor McGonagall's stern glare barring down on her and could sense Hagrid's uncomfortable feelings. She knew that now she had added more fuel to a fire that was already beginning to burn out of control. With Voldemort knowing that she was back in town and working with Dumbledore and the Order, it would be only a matter of time before he tries to finish her.
"We can discuss that task a little later. Now if I'm not mistaken, I believe that Madam Pomfrey is ready and waiting to tend to our new professor," said Dumbledore breaking the nerve-racking silence that Miranda was grateful to have been broken.
"All right." nodded a fairly weak Miranda. Her entire body ached from the countless number of curses and hexes that were placed on her. Her head felt like it was in some sort of vice grip and she could barely stand up straight if not for Hagrid standing right beside her propping her up. She took a step forward and began to sway back and forth. She stumbled back a bit but was caught by Hagrid's massive hand.
"I'll ask that you climb on to this to be taken up to the hospital wing," said Dumbledore. Miranda looked down at what Dumbledore was pointing to and saw that her had conjured a stretcher that hovered a few inches off the ground.
"No it's all right I can make it," winced Miranda as she made another feeble attempt to walk.
"Ms. Starmenter, might I remind you of where the hospital wing is again?" said McGonagall with her eyebrows raised, and motioned toward where Dumbledore was standing.
Miranda looked up at Dumbledore and her eyes began to widen as she gazed at the massive staircase behind him. She then remembered just exactly how far the hospital wing was and how many flights of stairs it took to get there.
"Uh, on seconded thought, maybe I should just take the stretcher," said Miranda as she slowly bent down a bit to climb on to the stretcher.
"Thought you would," chuckled Dumbledore lightly, while he directed the stretcher with his wand to hover before him. The moment the stretcher began it's journey to the hospital wing, Miranda drifted off into a deep slumber.
*******
"HA HA HA HA!!! Did you really think that you could stop me?" said a shrill high voice. "You'll never be rid of me my sweet. I'm everywhere, and soon…ah soon, we'll meet again." The shrill voice cackled maliciously, and suddenly a blast of bright green light shown everywhere.
Clop, Clop, Clop.
'What in the world…?' thought Miranda. She opened her eyes to a brightly sunlit room. She squinted as the rays of light caused her to have an even worse headache than she already had. As she looked around, she started to comprehend where exactly she was based on her surroundings. She found herself in the hospital wing that she hadn't seen since she was a seventh year student.
"Ah, good you're awake. How are you feeling today, Miranda?" said Madam Pomfrey as she came up to her bed and began to check her pulse.
"A little bit lousy, actually. My head is throbbing, but other than that, I feel fine," said a groggy Miranda.
"Well that's to be expected. Here drink this draught, it will help with the side effects," said the determined nurse, as she handed over a glass of a murky blue liquid.
Miranda forced down the potion that began to taste like old sweaty socks, and instantly the throbbing in the back of her head began to subside and she could now start to think clearly again.
"Thanks, Madam Pomfrey," said a sour faced Miranda as she tried not to gag at the awful tasting elixir. Just then Professor McGonagall marched into the hospital wing.
"Good you're awake. How are you feeling now, Ms. Starmenter?"
"Much better now, thanks," said Miranda in a slightly pleasant tone hoping to lessen the stern look on McGonagall's face, with no such luck.
"Professor Dumbledore would like a word with you once you are ready to leave the hospital wing. Is she well Pomfrey?"
"She is, but I want you take it easy, Miranda. You went through a terrible ordeal last night, and I don't want you to over exert yourself. You're lucky to even be alive," said Madam Pomfrey in a stern tone almost as equal to McGonagall's.
"All right, I promise. I'll take it easy," said Miranda slightly eager to be rid of the two stern witches before her. After Miranda changed out of her pajamas and into some dark blue robes, with a pair of black jeans, and a white shirt underneath it, she followed McGonagall out of the hospital wing to Dumbledore's office. When the two witches arrived at the stone griffin Professor McGonagall spoke the password (bubble gum), the griffin moved to the side to reveal the revolving staircase. They both got on rose up the tower to Dumbledore's door. As they neared the office, Miranda could hear slightly muffled voices grow louder. When they reached the door, McGonagall gave a firm knock.
"Enter!" came the headmaster's voice through the door. With that both witches entered into the grand room of the headmaster's office. The walls were still covered with pictures of former headmasters and headmistress, and the silver devices were still on the same table and Fawkes, the grand ruby and gold phoenix was perched next to Dumbledore's desk. The room looked liked it hadn't changed since the last time she was in a little over a decade and a half ago. There were a couple of people in the office to; some of them were sitting in chairs but a few were standing. Sitting in his distinguished chair behind his desk was Dumbledore looking slightly tired and weary.
"Professor," said McGonagall.
"Thank you Minerva. Ah, Ms. Starmenter, nice to see you up and about again," said Dumbledore cheerfully as a slight spark shinned in his eyes again.
"Thanks," said Miranda awkwardly.
"I assume you know mostly everyone here," said the headmaster as he waved his hand gesturing to the others in the room.
She looked around and found her old mentor Alastor Moony sitting in a chair near Dumbledore's desk, Mundungus Fletcher who was standing in a corner looking at the silver objects with interest, Arthur Weasley was sitting in a chair next to Moony, and standing near the fireplace was…
"Remus!" said Miranda as she gazed on her old school mate.
"Hello Star," said Remus. "How are you feeling?"
"Better now," she said with a slight chuckle and raised her brow a bit. "How are you doing? Oh, it's so good to see you, all of you again. Although I hoped it was under different circumstances."
"Ehem." said coughed a witch to Remus's right. Miranda didn't really notice her before although she didn't really know how she could have missed a neon green haired witch.
"Oh, Andy you remember Nymphora, don't you?" said Dumbledore.
"Andromeda's daughter? But…geez I haven't seen you since you were a kid," said a stunned Miranda. 'Man I've been gone a long time.'
"Nice to see you again too, Star. Oh and it's Tonks by the way," smiled Tonks as she looked at the witch before her that was once like a big sister and slight mentor to her.
"Tonks?" said Miranda as she tried to stifle a fit of laughter that threatened to come out.
"Ah come on! Would you want everyone to call you Nymphora?" she asked and stressed her name with great disgust while rolling her eyes.
"Good point," replied Miranda not able to come up with an argument.
"Well now that that's in order, shall we continue?" asked Dumbledore. With that everyone went back to there originally place and Miranda took an empty chair that was near the fireplace with Remus and Tonks.
"It seems safe to assume that the first part of our plan is a success. Thanks of course to our returning member. Harry and his relatives are safe for the time being. As for our other members, they are doing much better now. Unfortunately we have hit a small obstacle. Because of Miranda's rescue last night, it has come to Voldemort's attention that our Ms. Starmenter has returned from her journey," said Dumbledore with a slight solemn look upon his face. But the way he said about Miranda's return…he made it seem like she was just on vacation or holiday, which caused Miranda to wonder.
"So with that, I propose that Miranda remain in the safety of Hogwarts until the start of term. Then she will have free reign of the grounds and Hogsmeade in order to secure the safety of the students, and of course plan her lessons," said Dumbledore with a slight chime.
"Umm…professor? About that…my-er-lessons…" stuttered Miranda.
"Yes?"
"Well, I was wondering…I mean it's just…I'm not quite sure…" she stuttered and sighed.
"Andy you'll be fine. You were one of the brightest students in your year. They aren't that bad, although a word of caution to two seventh years that have the tendency to, how did they put it once, 'liven up the joint a bit,' I believe," said Dumbledore with a chuckle that caused his eyes to sparkle even more. He gave a quick glance toward the direction of Arthur Weasley who suddenly turned a slight shade of pink.
"The order will be behind you in case there is any trouble," said Mr. Weasley brightly.
"I know that," stated Miranda.
"Then what more do you need to know, Starmenter?" inquired Moody.
"Uh, well I guess knowing what subject I'll be teaching might be a plus," said Miranda with a slight hint of sarcasm in her voice.
"Oh," said several voices at once. Tonks, who was standing near Remus, was trying to suppress a laugh that was caused by the look on everyone's face. Remus sniggered affectionately at being reminded of his old friends sarcasm. Dumbledore continued to look on from behind his desk with a warm smile on his face and that familiar twinkle behind his half-moon spectacles.
"Forgive me, my dear. I thought I made that clear when I last spoke to you. Old man's senility setting in."
"It's find, Albus," chuckled Miranda. "And you're not old. So what class? Divinations? Alchemy? How to avoid getting into detention when you get caught?"
"No…Defense Against the Dark Arts." said Dumbledore simply.
"D-defense Against th…wow!" whispered a breathless and shocked Miranda. For some reason she never really thought of being able to teach the Dark Arts class. When she learned that she was going to be teaching a class, the thought never crossed her mind. But now, she couldn't believe how dense she could be to not realize that she would be teaching one of the most infamous classes at Hogwarts. A position that had been held by many professors before her…
"Professor I'm honored…wait a sec…isn't that the class that's cursed?"
"Well, that is one thought that has been around for awhile," said Mundungus.
"Pure rubbish," said McGonagall.
"I think that should be enough for now. I'll see you all at headquarters soon," said Dumbledore as he rose from his chair. With that, Arthur Weasley, Mundungus, Tonks, and Professor McGonagall headed for the door and down the revolving staircase. Mad-Eye Moody rose from his chair and made his way over to wear Miranda now stood.
"I'll keep in touch with you Starmenter," he growled. "and remember to keep constant vigilance over your task."
"Yes Moody, I know," sighed Miranda as she rolled her eyes to her former mentor.
"This is no game girl. That whole attitude of yours back then won't work now," said Moody in a stern and grave tone.
"That's funny cuz I thought I did a pretty good job the last time I went up against Voldemort and his goons. And the time before that, and the time before that, and the time before that, and oh yeah, the time before that." stated Miranda with a smirk.
"That was just pure luck and coincidence. It's a new game now, with new rules and players."
"Fine. All right. I'll play by the rules," sighed Miranda as she gave up her little game of sarcasm.
"Don't give me that look. You must remember to keep constant vigilance. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!!!" bellowed Moody.
"That will be enough Alastor," said Dumbledore as he came up from behind Moody and showed him to the door. Miranda then turned around to find that Remus was still standing by the fireplace looking at a portrait of a former headmaster who was snoring and grunting something in his sleep.
"You'd think that after fourteen years he'd learn a new saying," chuckled Miranda.
"What can I say, you know Moody," grinned Remus as he made his way over to where Miranda was and embraced her like a sister.
"How are you doing Rem," she asked as she parted from the hug. "You look a little pale. It's not…"
"No, not for another week or so. It's good to have you back Star."
"Thanks," said Miranda awkwardly. "Listen Moony I want to apologize."
"Apologize? Apologize for what? You saved a lot of lives last night, mine included," said Remus who was slightly confused at what she was getting at. "If this is about not being there sooner, it's all right."
"No it's not that…well that too. But…this is about what happened when I…when I left," said Miranda as she fought to find the words that she wanted to say.
Remus looked at her with compassion in his eyes. "Andy, just forget about that. It's in the pas…"
"Remus! Listen, I need to do this, all right? I know what I did was inexcusable, and no amount of 'I'm sorry' is going to mend what I've done. I just wanted you to know that I never in a million years would want to hurt you the way that I did. And if I could take it back I would in a heartbeat, but…" said Miranda as a feeling of relief came over her with each word that she had kept inside her for nearly fourteen years.
"Andy,"
"I know that I can't. And I wouldn't be surprised that if you never really wanted to talk to me ever again. I mean if it were me, I wouldn't ever want to speak to myself again and…"
"Miranda! I know! It's all right," said Remus as he tried to calm her down.
"Yeah, but…"
"Ms Starmenter," said Dumbledore who just re-entered the main part of his office again. "if there is one thing that you have yet to learn is how to accept forgiveness from your friends, and move on. Just let sleeping girnlows lie."
Miranda took the hint and abandoned her attempt to finish her apology. Dumbledore then walked over to where Fawkes was sitting and gave him a small treat that he pulled out of his robes.
"Now with the new security measures, I assume you would like to meet our potions mater," said Dumbledore as he stroked the phoenix's feathers.
"Well, y-yes. I mean if I'm going to be teaching here, I guess I should know the staff," said Miranda. Suddenly the sound of someone trying to suppress a laugh filled the room, which was coming from Remus.
"What's so funny, Rem?" asked Miranda surprised that her friend behavior.
"Nothing, but…are you sure she should see him now?" chuckled Remus looking at Dumbledore who now returned to his seat behind his desk.
"Yes Remus, I am," said Dumbledore simply.
"Sure of what? What's wrong with the guy? Does he have three heads or something?" inquired Miranda who was now confused with what the two men were talking about. Just then there was a knock on the door.
"Enter," called Dumbledore.
"No not really…" said Remus who glanced at the door. Miranda looked at him and wondered who this potions master was and why Remus had a look of dislike on his face. That was until…
"You sent for me headmaster," said a voice from behind Miranda. Her eyes widen with shock and horror. 'I know that voice,' she thought.
"No, it couldn't be," whispered Miranda. She turned around slowly, and there standing behind her in the archway was a person she thought she'd never see or hear from ever again, Severus Snape.
There he was standing there, with the same hooked nose and greasy hair plastered to his head. He still had those same black robes that made him look like he belonged at some gothic rock concert, if he only had on some black eyeliner.
"Ah, Severus. Yes I did, I assume you remember Ms. Starmenter?" said Dumbledore with a smile.
Snape looked on Miranda with a loathsome stare. The same stare that he gave to all the former Maunders and their offspring. Miranda returned his look with equally enough loathsome if not more. She looked and felt as if she was going to be sick right there in the middle of headmaster's office just by the sight of him.
"Yes…unfortunately," said Snape coldly.
"Speak for yourself," muttered Miranda. The amount of hatred radiating from the two of them was at an all time high.
"The reason why I called you here Severus is so that you and our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher can start on the new security measures," said Dumbledore trying to avoid a war from breaking out right in the middle of his office.
"Whoa, wait a minute! You mean to tell me that he's the school's Potions master?" said Miranda with stunned and appalled tone.
"Why yes of course," said Dumbledore as if it were obvious.
"You didn't say anything about Severus being involved in all of this."
"You never let me finished my dear, if I remember correctly," said the headmaster in a pleasant tone. Miranda could not form words as the idea of working with Severus Snape sunk into her head. She knew that the headmaster was right in that he didn't let him finish telling her who was all involved back in Paris.
"Now then, you and Professor Snape will…"
"I'm sorry Dumbledore, but I can't work with him," stated Miranda.
"You see headmaster. I told you it was a bad idea to bring her here. Trying to be the great savior are you?" said Snape with a smirk.
Miranda stuck her hand into her robes and grasped the handle of her wand. Remus noticed what she was doing and lightly touched her shoulder to hold her back. Seeing Remus's gesture brought a sense of satisfaction to Snape knowing that he was getting to her. As Miranda slowly came to her senses she let go of her wand, but kept her hand inside her robes…. Just in case.
"I'm not trying to be anyone's savior. I am here on Dumbledore's request. Now if you have a problem with that, then you're speaking to the wrong person," said Miranda as she stared straight into greasy haired wizard in front of her.
"The only problem I have is whether or not I need to be on my guard now," said Snape with venom in his voice.
"That's real funny because I was going to say the exact same thing about you," retorted Miranda.
"What's that suppose to mean?" said Snape knowing full well what the witch before him was getting at.
"Oh, I think you fully know what I'm talking about," said Miranda as she glanced at his arm.
"If I were you, I'd seriously reconsider about having another go at the dark lord again," said Snape as he inched closer to were Miranda was and stared directly into her eyes. "We wouldn't want to add another dark mark to your already ruined reputation now would we?"
"You know the funny thing about marks, Severus?" said Andy as she looked directly at the wizard before her. She then took a hold of his arm and pulled up his sleeve to reveal the mark of a Death Eater on his forearm. "They don't lie."
Severus startled and shocked at what she did, roughly pulled his arm away from Miranda and quickly pulled down his sleeve. If looks could kill, then the one that Snape was giving her now would have turned Miranda into a heap of ash right now.
"You see my problem, Severus, is that I don't work with followers of Voldemort. Especially ones who have been known to switch sides so quickly," said Miranda with pure malice in her voice.
"All right, that's enough from both of you," said Dumbledore in a tone that was not to be argued with. "Now Miranda, Severus has learned the error of his ways, and has come through for the Order many times."
"But what happens when the Order is counting on him in a time of need and he decides to switch sides again?" said Miranda as she glared at Hogwarts Potion master.
"Miranda, do you trust me?" said Dumbledore. Andy looked at the old wizard with confusion.
"Of course I trust you, Professor. You know that," said Andy not sure at what he was getting at.
"Then, put your trust in my faith toward Severus, as I have told him to do the same for you," said Dumbledore with that same sparkle glinting behind his half moon spectacles. Miranda knew that she had been beaten, and could not see any further reason to continue her arguing.
"Fine," she said dejectedly.
"Severus?" said Dumbledore.
"Fine," said Snape in the same tone as Miranda.
"Good! Then I believe a hand shake is in order," said Dumbledore brightly.
Both adversaries looked at each other with such disgust in their faces. They both extended their right hands and shook them quickly. Miranda then took her hand and swiped it against her robes as if she had touched something very slimy.
"Wonderful. Now if you will all excuse me, I have a meeting at the Ministry now," said Dumbledore. With that Snape, Remus, Miranda, and Dumbledore left the Headmaster's office and descended the revolving staircase. When they reached the bottom Dumbledore stopped both Miranda and Snape before they went their separate ways.
"I'll expect that you two will want to meet later to discuss the security of the school," said Dumbledore.
"If we must," said Snape rolling his eyes.
"Very well. You two will report with Professor McGonagall in her office tomorrow evening," said Dumbledore. At that, Snape gave a little bow, turn on his heels, and stormed away toward the dungeons with his black robes billowing behind him.
"I hope that's all right with you," said Dumbledore with a smile to Miranda.
"Yes, I think that would be better," responded Miranda, thinking that Dumbledore had the right idea of putting McGonagall in a room with her and Snape. She had a sudden vision of herself and Snape dueling each other when they would met up tomorrow.
"Very well. I will see the both of you later. I do believe that a bit of catching up is in order," said Dumbledore to the two friends before he made his way to the Ministry via a Portkey.
"Nice exit," said Miranda slightly impressed. Remus gave a slight chuckle at his friend's remark.
"It's good to have you back Star," said Remus as he opened his arms and embraced his friend.
"It's good to be back," said Miranda as she returned the hug.
"Oh, I almost forgot," said Remus as he parted from the embrace. "Dumbledore wanted me to give you this," he said as he pulled out a piece of parchment. "It's the address to headquarters."
"Oh," said Miranda as she took the piece of paper and opened it on it was written:
The headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix my be found at number twelve, Grimmauld Place, London.
"Grimmauld Place? But wait isn't that…" said Miranda.
"The Black estate. Yeah, Sirius offered it up for the Order," said Remus, not quite sure if he should had his said his best friend's name.
"He did?" said Miranda, not picking up on her friend's hesitation.
"Yeah, he's also living there as well," said Remus. He figured that he might as well tell her about Sirius now before someone else did.
"He's…whoa wait a sec. S-Sirius is living in his family's house?" said Miranda in shock. Remus simply nodded not quite sure how she was going to react.
"Has he gone mental of something? Sirius hated living in that hell mouth! Hell I would to with a mother like his," said Miranda. She couldn't understand why on Earth would her once best friend would be living in a place that has haunted him since the day he was born.
"I know that. But the house is unplotable, so it is really the best place for headquarters. Besides, Dumbledore thinks he's best off there, with him still being on the run and all," said Remus.
"Hmm…bet he's having a grand old time. What with all those wonderful fuzzy memories of his life with his parents and all," said Miranda sarcastically.
"Yeah, can hardly contain himself. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't try sneaking out of the house again," said Remus with a chuckle.
"Wait, if he's not suppose to leave, then why was he there last night?" said Miranda.
"There was a change in plans and he also wanted to see Harry," said Remus. "You know he still cares about you."
"After what I did to him? I wouldn't be surprise if he didn't try to hex me into the middle of next week," said Andy with a forced chuckle.
"Well I think that thought did cross his mind once or twice last night," said Remus with a chuckle but could still see the pain in his friend's eyes. "But he was worried about you last night."
"Yeah right," said Miranda as she rolled her eyes.
"It's true. Heck Molly had to sneak a sleeping daft into his drink just to get him to go to sleep last night," said Remus. Miranda gazed at her friend with hope and pain in her eyes. Hope that what he was tell her was true and that she might not have lost her best friend after all, and pain because of what she did to him nearly fourteen years ago. She was now eager to change the subject, which Remus quickly caught on as he saw her trying to fight back some tears.
"Hey so tell me what you have been up to in France. I was kinda surprised that you would be there of all places. I thought you would have gone back the states," said Remus.
"Well I did go back for a little bit, but it just didn't feel right being there. So I decided that if I couldn't be happy in the U.S. or in England, then the next best place would be France," said Andy, mentally thanking her friend for the change in subject.
The two friends walked around the school grounds each talking about what they have been doing since the last time they talked to each other, and reminisced about some of the stupid things that they pulled while at school and the different pranks that the Marauders pulled while they were there.
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A/N: Well there you have it chapter eight. Sorry it took so long to update. I originally started this chapter in July but then this nagging thing called life got in my way. (IE…Powderpuff football practice, my mom breaking her ankle (she's better now), taking care of the house, starting my senior, playing in Powderpuff (We won 14-0), and then falling out of interest with this story.) Anyways, I decided to finish this chapter and get it out before I forgot again, so here you go. I'm probably going to stop working on this story for a while because there are some things that might be hard to understand. So I decided to write a prequel starting with Harry's parents and their friends during their fifth year at Hogwarts. I might come back to this story latter on so keep checking in. I hope that you all check out my new story entitled 'Days in Avalon'. Well I guess that's it for now. Until next time….
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my ideas for this story and future stories involving the wonderful J.K. Rowling's characters. Everything else belongs to her.